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The NENA Information Document (INF) for Handling
Text-to-9-1-1 in the PSAP is intended to provide a guideline for PSAPs with
recommendations for emergency calling to 9-1-1 using text messaging.

With today’s expanding technology, people have increased
options for communication methods to the PSAP. People are using advanced
telecommunications methods, both for peer-to-peer communications and for
emergency calling. These newer methods of communication include, but are not
limited to, wireless devices, videophones, video cameras, computers, and
instant messaging technologies. The
range of options will make it possible for people to contact PSAPs for any
given emergency circumstance and request assistance via his or her
communication preferences.

The use of non-voice
communications such as texting, in particular SMS, has exploded and citizens
have come to rely on this technology in their day-to-day communications. However, the current E9-1-1 system was never
designed to handle non-voice communications. There will be several challenges
to overcome in developing this new technology into an end-to-end service that
is capable of providing all the features and functionality of the E9-1-1
system. Services such as the routing of
messages to the correct PSAP, timely delivery of messages and providing device
location to the PSAP are currently not widely available in today’s networks.